COVID-19 hotspots are growing and they will continue to grow until residents change their behaviour.
This is according to Shane Brown, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole COVID-19 Disaster Management Forum chairperson, with regard to the concerning growth in COVID-19 hotspots within the metropole.
In a media statement issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, Zwide and New Brighton were highlighted as the new worrying areas as they have passed the 500 mark. Motherwell remained the leading area with COVID-19 cases as 1 753 cases were confirmed in the area.
Uitenhage and KwaNobuhle followed closely at 957 and 955 respectively.
KwaZakhele had 906 cases while Zwide and New Brighton had 572 and 566 cases respectively. NMBM acting mayor councillor Thsonono Buyeye said the local COVID-19 council hoped that the strict measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday would make a difference in fighting against the alarming infections.
“We are deeply concerned. We do not want a case of having hotspots everywhere in the metropole. But we are hopeful that the ban of alcohol, family visits and strict mask regulations will turn things around,” said Buyeye.
“We urge our residents to work with government and adhere to the regulations. We have all seen the impact of alcohol, people hosted parties and other hosted social gatherings putting the lives of others at risk. We believe the curfew will also reduce these illegal gatherings.”
According to Brown, areas with fairly low COVID-19 cases have suddenly spiked to have worrying numbers now.
“Just a few weeks back there were only three confirmed cases at the St Albans Prison, now there are 150 cases. The virus is spreading at an alarming rate,” said Brown.
“President Ramaphosa’s message was welcomed, especially the emphasis on facial masks. The mask regulations cannot be stressed enough.
“It’s effective and we once again appeal to residents also to take it seriously. We believe the alcohol ban will really free up much needed beds in hospitals as there won’t be accidents. Hospitals are struggling with COVID-19 patients as it is. The last thing they need is alcohol linked injuries to treat,” said Brown.
